XImpatiens capensis - Touch-me-notX
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Touch-me-not -or- Jewelweed -or- Cape Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), family Balsaminaceae (Balsam)
This plant is native to North America. WIKIPEDIA has this about it's distribution: 'Impatiens capensis was transported in the 19th and 20th by humans to England, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, and potentially other areas of Northern and Central Europe. These naturalized populations persist in the absence of any common cultivation by people. This jewelweed species is quite similar to Impatiens noli-tangere, an Impatiens species native to Europe and Asia, as well as the other North American Impatiens. No evidence exists of natural hybrids, although the habitats occupied by the two species are very similar.' End quote. The name Touch-me-not is appropriate for the behavior of the plant. Again from WIKIPEDIA: 'The seed pods are pendant and have projectile seeds that explode out of the pods when they are lightly touched, if ripe, which is where the name touch-me-not comes from.' End quote.
Flower -
Plant location: Found in the Columbia Gorge Oregon late in the season - September 2007. Photos by Mark DixonPlant -
Bloom period: through the summer months.Foliage -
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